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Nia classes, events bring martial arts, yoga to exercise In Swahili, Nia means “with purpose.”     Lowcountry residents are being introduced to this fun and dynamic new exercise that blends martial arts, dance, yoga and meditation.     Nia is said to awaken the senses and utilize visualization techniques accompanied by an enlightening variety of music for optimal movement. Nia is based on the most ancient of movement arts, from Tai Chi, to Tae Kwon Do, to yoga. It also combines the elements of ballet, modern dance and jazz.      The program is now being offered at the Wellness Center by instructor Amy Hovatter. The Nia schedule for the next three months is as follows: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7 to 8 p.m., Alhambra Hall, Old Village, Mount Pleasant; Thursday, Nov. 16, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., MUSC Wellness Center, Studio A; Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7 to 8 p.m., Alhambra Hall, Old Village, Mount Pleasant; Thursday, Nov. 30, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., MUSC Wellness Center, Studio A; Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7 to 8 p.m., Alhambra Hall, Old Village, Mount Pleasant; Thursday, Dec. 7, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., MUSC Wellness Center, Studio A; Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7 to 8 p.m., Alhambra Hall, Old Village, Mount Pleasant; Thursday, Dec. 14, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., MUSC Wellness Center, Studio A; Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7 to 8 p.m., Alhambra Hall, Old Village, Mount Pleasant; Thursday, Dec. 21, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., MUSC Wellness Center, Studio A;  Saturday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., a poetry/writing and dance workshop entitled, “Dancing Your Words and Wording Your Dance” St. Paul's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Old Village, Mount Pleasant. The workshop is limited to 25 people and has a fee is $25. Registration deadline is Jan. 10.    For information on the NIA classes, call Amy Hovatter at 849-1148.